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`äb^k ^fo drfabHow to Identify and Correct Indoor Air Problems in your Home
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215
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www.cmhc.ca
`äÉ~å ^áê dìáÇÉHow to Identify and Correct Indoor AirProblems in your Home
CanadianWood-Frame House Construction
This national bestseller contains illustrations, sizing tables, planning notes and other practicalinformation on wood-frame house construction. Tips on Healthy Housing™ are alsoprovided to improve indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact. Topics include:footings and foundations; framing and roof sheathings; exterior and interior finishes; plumbing,heating and wiring; insulation, fire and sound control; ventilation; and much more.
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Use the information in this Guide to identify the typical signs of moisture and air qualityproblems in your home, to identify the probable causes and to consider practical solutions.
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Building Materials for the Environmentally Hypersensitive
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`je`ÔeçãÉ íç `~å~Çá~åëCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has beenCanada’s national housing agency for more than 60 years.
Together with other housing stakeholders, we help ensure thatthe Canadian housing system remains one of the bestin the world.We are committed to helping Canadians accessa wide choice of quality, environmentally sustainable andaffordable homes – homes that will continue to create vibrantand healthy communities and cities across the country.
For more information, visit our website at www.cmhc.ca
You can also reach us by phone at 1-800-668-2642or by fax at 1-800-245-9274.
Outside Canada call 613-748-2003 or fax to 613-748-2016.
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation supportsthe Government of Canada policy on access toinformation for people with disabilities. If you wishto obtain this publication in alternative formats,call 1-800-668-2642.
The Clean AirGuideHOW TO IDENTIFY AND
CORRECT INDOOR AIR
PROBLEMS IN YOUR
HOME
CMHC offers a wide range of housing-related information. For
details, contact your local CMHC office or call 1-800-668-2642.
Visit us on our website at www.cmhc.ca
Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre :
Guide d’assainissement de l’air : Comment cerner et régler lesproblèmes de qualité de l’air de votre habitation 61270
Acknowledgements
This book was written and illustrated by REIC Ltd. in collaboration with the Research
Division staff at CMHC. The project team would like to express its appreciation to the
many individuals who reviewed the document and contributed to its development.
Project Authority: Virginia Salares, Research Division
Disclaimer
This publication is based on current knowledge about the quality of indoor air in houses,
and parts of it may be changed as new research findings become available. Neither the
authors nor Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation intend any of the suggestions in
this publication to be construed as medical advice. For the prevention or treatment of
specific conditions, please consult medical experts. The Corporation assumes no liability
for any damage, injury or expense that may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use
of this publication.
National Library of Canada cataloguing in publication data
Main entry under title :
The clean air guide : how to identify and correct indoor air
problems in your home
Rev. ed.
Issued also in French under title: Guide d’assainissement de l’air.
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 0-660-96630-1Cat. No. NH15-83/2001E
1. Housing and health.
2. Indoor air pollution — Environmental aspects.
3. Environmental health.
I. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
II. Title: How to identify and correct indoor air problems in
your home.
RA577.5C52 2001 613.5 C2001-980369-9
©1993 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, All rights reserved. No portion of
this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or
by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the
prior written permission of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing no portion of this book may be translated from English
into any other language without the prior written permission of Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation.
Reprinted: 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003,2006
Revised: 1998, 2001, 2002, 2006
Printed in Canada
Produced by CMHC
Introduction ..............................................................................ii
Your House and Your Health...................................................1
Six Steps to a Clean Air House................................................3
• Step 1: Making Sense of the Situation .......................4
- Worksheet: Family Health Profile ............5
- Air Quality Questionnaire.........................6
• Step 2: Evaluating your Location ...............................7
- Location Audit and House History...........8
• Step 3: Assessing Your House ...................................9
- Biological Contaminants.........................10
- Chemical Contaminants..........................13
• Step 4: Deciding What to Do....................................17
- Preliminary Action Plan .........................21
• Step 5: Taking Action ...............................................23
• Step 6: Feedback and Evaluation..............................24
Relocating...............................................................................25
Conclusion..............................................................................28
Combustion, Spillage and Backdrafting ................................29
Resources................................................................................31
Bibliography...........................................................................35
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This Guide is about “clean air”housing. Inside you will find step-by-step instructions on how tocreate and maintain an indoorenvironment with low levels ofpotentially unhealthy airbornecontaminants.
The need for clean air housing
should not be underestimated.
We spend, on average, 90 per cent
of our time indoors, mostly in
the home. Some of us spend
virtually all of our time indoors.
Unfortu nately, the modern home
has many substances that may
be hazardous to our health. Those
agents range from minor irritants,
such as dust and animal dander,
to major irritants, such as molds
and the chemical vapours that
may be emitted by modern
building materials and furnishings.
Of course, not everyone is
out wardly affected by these
agents, or affected in the same
way. In writing this guide, we
separated people who have needs
and concerns into three categories:
1. Comfort and Prevention:This is the largest group and
includes people who have no
known reaction to low levels
of contaminants. For this
group, the need is to improve
the comfort of the home and
to prevent potential health
problems from occurring.
2. Known Health Issue: This
group includes people with
known sensitivities or people
who are at elevated risk.
In cluded under known
sensitivities are allergies,
respiratory ailments and
chemical sensitivities. People
with elevated risk are those
who spend a lot of time in the
home, such as children,
women and the elderly and
persons with disabilities. For
this group, the need is to alter
the home to lessen the effects
of any known irritants and to
avert risk.
3. Serious Health Problem:This is that small group of
the population who are
hypersensitive to numerous
agents and who react
adversely to extremely low
levels of exposure. For this
group, the need is to create
an exceptionally clean home
environment—a sanctuary
from exposure to even the
most minute levels of
contaminants.
This Guide contains
information and instructions
relevant to people in any one of
the three groups; how contaminants
affect you, how to detect sources
of potential health problems and
how to decide on corrective
measures. The information
presented here will not cure the
many health disorders affected by
airborne contaminants. However,
following the instructions will
help you control the quality of
your indoor environment and
ultimately increase your sense
of health and well-being.
ii
INTRODUCTION
Many of us are concerned about
outdoor air pollution. Few people,
however, realize that the air they
breathe inside their homes may
actually be more hazardous to
their health than outside air.
The link between human
shelter and the healthfulness of
the indoor environment is not
new—even caves had indoor air
quality problems. But as houses
have become more complex,
especially with the increased use
of synthetic, chemical-based
products, so too have the risks to
human health. Today, depending
on your level of sensitivity, you
may be negatively affected by
anything from furniture to fuel
oil and from wax to wallpaper.
Another major source of
trouble, especially for allergy
sufferers, is molds. Molds grow
wherever it is damp. They can
be found outside the house, in
the structure of the house and
throughout the house; in obvious
places like the kitchen and
bathroom; and in not so obvious
places like carpets and walls.
1
YOUR HOUSE AND YOUR HEALTH
How Contaminants Enter Our Bodies
Contaminants can enter our bodies in three ways: through the water andfood we consume (ingestion); through the materials and furnishings wecome in contact with (touch); and through the air we breathe (inhalation).This Guide is primarily concerned with airborne contaminants and theimprovement of air quality as the major step in creating a clean house.Airborne contaminants are generally divided into two different groups:biologicals and chemicals.
1. Biological contaminants can originate from outdoors or within thehome. They include molds, dust mites, pollen, animal dander and bacteria.Molds are underrated contaminants in the home; they produce particulates(spores and residual matter) and gases (volatile compounds characterizedas moldy or musty odours). High moisture levels inside the home supportthe growth of molds and dust mites.
2. Chemical contaminants include both gases and particulates. Gases can originate from numerous sources, including:
- gases released by occupant activity (body odour, carbon dioxide[CO2], cigarette smoke);
- combustion gases generated by the burning of fossil fuels in gasand oil furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, and woodstoves;
- gases released by building materials, furniture, fabrics, floor coverings, carpets, paints and caulking as they age, dry or cure;
- other gases, such as ammonia from cleaning products, chlorinefrom bleach, pesticides, vapours from personal care products andozone produced by some electrical equipment;
- cooking and hobby activities; and- gases from the soil and rocks, such as radon
(see also note on page 16).
Chemical particulates may originate from a variety of sources, includingdust and soils, combustion processes and cigarette smoke, as well asbuilding materials and furnishings, such as concrete, lead paint, insulation,carpets and draperies.
The indoor environment
is also affected by agents and
conditions originating outside
—for example, the quality of
outdoor air (pollution levels,
temperature and humidity) and
radon and other soil gases which
enter through leaks and cracks
in the foundation.
All of these agents and
conditions affect the quality of the
indoor environment and may pose
potential dangers to your health.
Regardless of your health needs,
clean indoor air can provide the
basis for a nurturing environment.
It can improve the quality of
your health and your sense of
well-being.
2
Health Effects and Indoor Air Quality
Many chemicals, such as formaldehyde, toluene and other volatileorganic compounds (VOCs) found as contaminants in homes andoffices, are known to have adverse effects on human health. Molds,besides causing allergic reactions and acute infections, can causechronic illnesses in humans.
The health care community continues to determine the extent andrange of housing-related health effects. Some of the ailments thatmay be related to poor indoor air quality are:
allergic rhinitis
anemia
asthma
asbestosis
cancer
cardiovascular stress
coughing
digestive problems
dizziness
dry, chapped or
irritated skin
emphysema
eye, nose and throat irritation
fatigue
headaches
Exposure to contaminants can also have a number of indirect health
effects, including increased susceptibility to disease from other
causes, aggravation of existing disease and sensitization to the
same and other environmental agents.
impaired lung function/
shortness of breath
impaired vision
impaired coordination
influenza
learning impairment
liver and kidney damage
loss of bone calcium
nervous system depression
nose bleeds
pneumonia
rashes
respiratory distress
respiratory infection
sinus congestion
Adjusting your house to suit yourhealth concerns may not be simple. Creating a clean airhouse will require some effort onyour part. You will need to gain agreater understanding of the areain which you live, the house inwhich you live and the way inwhich you live. You will also needto learn to pay attention to whatyour eyes, ears, nose and brainare telling you about the environment that surrounds you.
Step 1: Making Sense of theSituation
Step 2: Evaluating Your Location
Step 3: Assessing Your Home
These steps will help you to
understand the nature and number
of polluting agents in your home,
first through your own senses, and
second by a closer inspection.
Once the type and location of
agents have been determined, you
will need to decide what to do
about them, and how and who
will carry out the work.
Step 4: Deciding What To Dooutlines the basic strategy behind
the creation of a clean air house
and helps you draw up your own
preliminary plan for action.
Step 5: Taking Action lists the
criteria you should use when
seeking help from professionals,
such as architects, designers,
contractors, and engineers.
Step 6: Feedback and Evaluationdiscusses the importance of
monitoring your house and
your health and well-being to
determine the success of the
work you undertake.
These six steps outline a
comprehensive and thorough
approach to clean air housing.
This ap proach may take more
time at the outset but it will be
time well spent. Indoor air quality
problems can be complex and
there are many potential solutions.
With out a thorough inspection
of the home, time and money
may be wasted on measures that
don’t address the major source
of a problem.
3
SIX STEPS TO A CLEAN AIR HOUSE
This section will help you reviewyour health concerns anddetermine the nature of possibleagents in your home through theuse of your own senses—particularly, but not only, yoursense of smell. It is important tonote that the worksheet andquestionnaire which follow arenot diagnostic tools. They are notintended to identify allergies orchemical sensitivities.
This section will provide aquick overview of health concernsof members of your household. Itwill help determine whether thehouse has an indoor air qualityproblem and whether the air quality problem is likely to beassociated with biological orchemical contaminants.
Filling out the Family Health
Profile and the Air Quality
Questionnaire in this section
will give you a better idea of
what problems to look for in
your house.
In addition, this exercise
forces you to rely on your senses
to interpret signals sent by the
home environment. Learning to
use your senses will allow you
to detect changes to the indoor
environment at an early stage.
The Family Health Profile
provides a place to record your
observations, as well as specific
information on the medical
history of household members,
including suspected house-related
ailments. Even when no health
problem is apparent, fill out the
questionnaires and the audits.
You may be surprised at what
you find.
Before beginning the Air
Quality Questionnaire, we
recommend that you close all
windows and doors, and stay
outside for at least 15 minutes.
This will help clear your senses
and provide a “shock reflex” to
your system upon entering the
house, making your sense of
smell keener. This step can also
be done after you have left your
home for some time. It may be
helpful to have more than one
person in your household
complete the questionnaire.
If in filling out the
questionnaire your answer is
“don’t know” instead of a “yes”
or “no”, don’t stop. You may
be able to find the answer as you
go along.
4
STEP 1: MAKING SENSE OF THE SITUATION
5
WORKSHEET: FAMILY HEALTH PROFILE
% of Time Spent Health Source of Problem
Individual Age at Home Concern* (if known)**
* List any infectious or respiratory illness, allergies or chemical sensitivities. Note whether the concern is mild, moderate or serious.
** For example, the agent to which the individual is allergic or sensitive.
6
AIR QUALITY QUESTIONNAIRE
Yes NoDo you notice an odour as you enter the house? ____________________________________________________ � �Do you feel better outdoors than inside your house? _________________________________________________ � �Do you feel better in other people’s homes than in your own? _________________________________________ � �Are there times when you feel sick inside your house? _______________________________________________ � �Do you associate specific symptoms with particular odours? __________________________________________ � �Are they worse in certain areas of the house? ______________________________________________________ � �Are they worse at a particular time of day or year? __________________________________________________ � �
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your house may have an indoor air quality problem. If you experience symptoms but cannot detect any odour, you may consider asking a friend with a keen sense of smell to give you another opinion.
The two sets of questions below will establish the nature of the sources of contaminants in your house.
Is the house new? ____________________________________________________________________________ � �Is there a “new smell” (chemical odour similar to that of a new car, new house,
new wood, gas, paint, fabric shop, carpet store, etc.)? ____________________________________________ � �Has a pest control company ever treated your house? ________________________________________________ � �Has the house been renovated recently?___________________________________________________________ � �Are there new furniture or furnishings? ___________________________________________________________ � �
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your house may have an indoor air quality problem associated with chemical contaminants.
Is your house old? ____________________________________________________________________________ � �Does your house have an “old smell” (stale, musty or earthy)? ________________________________________ � �Does your house have a crawl space or basement? __________________________________________________ � �Does the crawl space or basement have a dirt floor? _________________________________________________ � �Do you sense that your basement is unhealthy for you (feelings of dampness, aversion or discomfort, etc.)? ____ � �Does water come into the basement at certain times? ________________________________________________ � �
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your house may have an indoor air quality problem associated with biological contaminants.
A
B
The next step is to examine thearea in which you live and determine whether the locationcontributes to your health concerns. The worksheet on thefollowing page walks you througha check of the wider geographicalregion in which you live, the district in which you live and yourimmediate neighbourhood. Thereis also a section which asks yousome information about yourhouse itself, such as the natureand extent of renovation work.
The worksheet notes many
aspects of house location which
can have a bearing on indoor air
quality and health. Using the
checklist as a guide, make note of
any aspects of your house location
which may be problematic. You
may rely on your own knowledge
of the immediate neighbourhood
for most of the information, but
a map of the city or district will
also be helpful in locating major
pollution sources which are
upwind of your home.
Historical information about
the house and its site are helpful
in identifying problem sources.
If you are relatively new to the
neighbourhood and don’t know
the history of your home, contact
the former owners or talk to some
of the long-term residents on the
street. They may be able to tell
you, for example, if the previous
owner routinely used pesticides, if
the house ever experienced a fire,
of if the lot was previously used
as a gas station or dump site.
When filling out the worksheet,
don’t rely on just the factors that
are listed. Let your ears, eyes and
nose help decide whether there is
a problem.
7
STEP 2: EVALUATING YOUR LOCATION
Yes NoGeographical Area
- Is the house in an urban area? (Air pollution may be a problem) � �- Is it a rural area? (Rural areas can be affected by agricultural activities, such as the application
of chemical pesticides and fertilizers or animal manure.) � �- Prevailing winds and seasonal considerations, such as wind direction and temperature inversions,
may affect local air quality. Is this likely to be a problem? � �
District
- Is the house near a factory? � �- Is the house near a landfill site? � �- Busy roads are a source of fumes, dust and noise. Rural routes may be affected by roadside
spraying, road salt and oil used for dust control. Are nearby roads a likely problem? � �- Railway lines and airports can be sources of air and noise pollution. Is there one nearby? � �- Some businesses, such as gas stations and dry cleaners can create air quality problems. � �
Are there any nearby? � �
Immediate Neighbourhood
- Neighbouring houses can be sources of wood smoke and combustion by-products from
chimneys, dryer vents and kitchen ranges. Is this likely to be a problem? � �- Indoor air quality is affected by the location of neighbouring driveways and exhaust vents.
Is the house outdoor air intake located away from pollutant sources? � �- Trees and shrubs may reduce air movement and reduce light levels. Are the trees around
the house likely to make a negative contribution to indoor air quality? � �- Is there a nearby swamp or pond that may cause excessive dampness or odours in the house? � �- Is the house next to a golf course? (They may be routinely treated with pesticides.) � �- Do the neighbours regularly use pesticides? � �
House History
- Some hobbies or home businesses can negatively affect the indoor air quality.
Is previous use of the house likely to present a problem? � �- Were pesticides used in or around the house? � �- Did the previous occupants keep pets? (A thorough cleaning may be necessary.) � �- Some building materials are sources of pollutants. Was the house recently renovated? � �- Has the house experienced a fire or flood? Is there a residue of smoke or mold? � �- Drainage affects moisture levels in the house. Does the house have drainage problems? � �
8
LOCATION AUDIT AND HOUSE HISTORY
The worksheets on pages 10 to 16will help you to evaluate yourhouse itself—structure, furnishings and products—as acontributing factor to your healthconcerns. The worksheets aredivided into the two differentgroups of contaminants: biologicals and chemicals. Eachworksheet is further divided intothree columns: Sources, Symptomsor Problems, and CorrectiveMeasures. If you believe you need professional assistance in assessing your house, youcould consider hiring a trainedIndoor Air Quality investigator(see page 20).
The Sources column provides a
breakdown of the most common
sources of air quality problems in
homes. These are listed roughly
in order of importance, with the
most significant listed first. The
Symptoms or Problems column
briefly describes the specific
contaminants that are associated
with particular sources.
The third column, Corrective
Measures, lists the actions that
may be needed when dealing
with an identified problem. This
column will be filled out in
Step 4—Deciding What To Do.
Using the worksheets as a
guide, do a thorough inspection
to identify the various sources
that exist in your house. Start
in the basement and work your
way through the house in an
organized fashion, ending with
the attic. (Many sources, such
as furnishings made of particle
board, will be found in different
rooms. As you go, make a note
of the rooms where each source
is found.)
Some Words of Advice
Before you begin the audit,
assemble a clipboard to hold
worksheets, a flashlight and wear
a face mask if you are inspecting
dusty places. Caution is advised
when inspecting any area of the
home that is a likely location for
harmful substances such as lead
dust, asbestos or mold. Try to
disturb the area as little as
possible to avoid generating
high concentrations of airborne
particles. Very sensitive people
should avoid parts of the house
that make them feel sick.
When carrying out the audit,
it may be helpful to recruit a
friend to assist you, especially if
the friend has an acute sense of
smell. He or she may notice items
that you miss because of your
long association with the home.
The full audit will take several
hours. If you don’t have time to
complete it in one session,
complete one room or area of
the house at a time. Be thorough:
look at everything, look behind,
beyond and inside.
9
STEP 3: ASSESSING YOUR HOUSE
Sources Symptoms or Problems Corrective Measures
� Basement Musty odour, black, � Control sources of moisture (see Step 4; also refer to CMHC’s Moisturewhite or multi-colour and Air: Problems and Remedies)discolourations, � Clean up mold. Refer to CMHC’s Clean-Up Procedures For Mold dampness, moisture and In Housescondensation indicate � Use a dehumidifier; keep windows closed
molds � Ventilate (see Step 4)
� Relocate downspouts and grade soil to direct water away from house
� Provide foundation with proper dampproofing, exterior insulation
and drainage
� Basement or Musty odours due � If the furnace and forced air ducts are in this space, install a sealed
crawl space to molds moisture barrier (6 mil polyethylene), anchored with concrete blocks or
with dirt floor bricks. Ideally a concrete floor should be poured over the polyethylene.
� If the furnace and forced air ducts are not in this space, install a sealed
moisture barrier as above, isolate the crawl space from the rest of the
house and vent to the outside with an exhaust fan.
� Cold cellar Likely place for molds � If the cold cellar is a framed room inside the basement, block the vents,
remove moldy material, clean and use as a warm space.
� For cold cellars under poured concrete porches, which are impractical to
keep and operate as interior space, permanently seal access to the house.
� Cold cellars are notoriously moldy. Use a refrigerator for cold storage or
build a root cellar outside.
� Walls, ceilings Stained, discoloured, � Identify and correct water leaks, if any
mold growth � Clean up mold. Refer to CMHC’s Clean-Up Procedures for Mold in Houses
� Look for sources of moisture in the basement or crawl space
� Keep surfaces warm by providing heat and/or adding insulation
� Allow air to circulate (e.g., behind furniture, curtains)
� Install and/or use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans
� Consider installing whole house ventilation (refer to page 18 and
CMHC’s This Clean House video for a discussion of Heat Recovery
Ventilators or HRVs)
� Wet windows Rotting, peeling paint, � Control sources of moisture throughout the house
discolouration � Look for sources of moisture in the basement or crawl space
� Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans
� Consider installing whole house ventilation
� Carpets in Collect moisture and � Remove carpets
basement odours; likely places for � Use area rugs if desired
molds to grow
� Carpets Collect moisture and � Remove carpets, especially from areas of high humidity, such as
elsewhere odours; older carpets kitchens and bathrooms
cause stale, stuffy air � Replace with smooth flooring
� Clothes, paper, Materials absorb � Discard badly damaged materials, eliminate clutter and allow
furnishings in moisture and can for air circulation
basement become moldy � Store only washable items or non-washables in sealed plastic containers
10
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Sources Symptoms or Problems Corrective Measures
� Open sump pit Source of moisture and � Provide sump pit with a tight-fitting cover (for example, plywood lined
molds with 6 mil polyethylene)
� Kitchen, Unpleasant odours � Clear debris that may be clogging the drain
bathroom sinks � Pour baking soda and water into drain, add vinegar, seal drain
and allow to stand
� Floor drain Can be site for mold � Clean drain; ensure that trap is filled with water: add a layer
growth: odours can of mineral oil to prevent trap from drying out
back up into house � If problem persists, check whether street sewer or septic system is
clogged
� Replace the drain with an air-sealing type
� Bathrooms Unvented moisture � Install a direct exhaust fan
can lead to molds � Alternatively, the bathrooms can be exhausted via a whole-house
ventilation system
� Closets Cold walls can lead � Control sources of moisture in the house
to condensation � Insulate outside wall and install an effective air barrier
� Exhaust closets via a whole-house ventilation system
� Water leaks Visible stains � Find source of moisture and correct
� Attics Moisture and mold � Seal all openings and leaks in the ceiling. Refer to CMHC’s About
problems from Your House Attic Venting, Attic Moisture, and Ice Dams.house air leakage into � Seal entry points for animals
the attic space; also
animal droppings
� Humidifier trays Standing water supports � Discontinue use of humidifiers if there is a mold problem
(also dehumidi- micro-organisms � Clean trays regularly
fiers, air � Keep tubs and washing machine dry when not in use
conditioners,
refrigerators,
laundry
equipment)
� Filters (furnace, May be loaded with dust � Clean and replace filters regularly
air conditioner,
heat recovery
ventilators)
� Potted plants Soils can support � Reduce number of plants in the house
fungal growth � Cover top of pot with foil, rigid plastic or a thick layer of pebbles
� Other moisture- Moisture, various � Minimize water-producing activities
producing biological contaminants � Don’t dry laundry indoors; vent clothes dryer to the outside
activities � Don’t store firewood indoors
� Damp, dirty Support mold � Keep wet surfaces very clean (e.g., tub and shower enclosures)
surfaces
11
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Sources Symptoms or Problems Corrective Measures
� House dust Supports dust mites � Remove shoes upon entering the house
� Clean house regularly with a damp mop or by vacuuming
� Remove dust-collecting furnishings (e.g., loose shag carpets,
stored belongings)
� Add whole-house vacuum system or use a vacuum cleaner with
a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter
� Pollen and other Seasonal; cause allergies � Keep windows closed at night
particulates � Caulk and weather-strip house to prevent entry of dust, pollen,
from outside and other particulates from outdoors
� Use a room air purifier (limited approach)
� Install a mechanical ventilation system for the whole house with
filters to clean the incoming air (see also page 18)
� Pet dander Some individuals are � Wash and groom pet regularly
allergic to some animals � Confine the pet to one area of the house; keep the pet off furniture
� Relocate pet
12
BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Sources Symptoms or Problems Corrective Measures
� Smoking Gases and particulates � The only worthwhile measure is to eliminate smoke. Otherwise, most
of the corrective measures will be less effective.
� Pesticides Pest control products are � Discontinue pesticide use indoors and outdoors
human poisons � Use traps, seal insect entry points from the outside and clean thoroughly
� Unvented gas Combustion gases � Do not use unvented heater or gas fireplace indoors
fireplace,
kerosene or
gas heater
� Gas or propane Combustion gases � Upgrade to a unit with electronic ignition and operate with an
stove effective exhaust hood over the stove
� Upgrade to a sealed combustion unit or replace with an electric stove
� Gas water heater Combustion gases � Check for combustion spillage (see page 29)
� Replace with induced draft or sealed combustion water heater or
replace with electric water heater
� Gas or oil Unburned gases and � Check for combustion spillage and provide air using a supply air fan
furnace combustion gases, (see page 29)
odorous additives � Have furnace serviced regularly
� Check and repair leaks
� Upgrade to a sealed combustion furnace with a dedicated
(exterior) source of combustion air or convert to electric heating
(radiant, hydronic or heat pump)
� Wood stove or Unburned fuel, � Check for combustion spillage and provide air supply (see page 29)
furnace, fireplace combustion gases � Install glass doors on fireplace
� Upgrade wood stove to high-efficiency or catalytic type; install fresh
air intake and burn only clean, dry wood
� Electric furnace, Odours from dust on � Vacuum heaters; have furnace cleaned by service person
baseboard heaters heating coils � Change filters on furnace
� Ozone generators Sweetish smell of ozone, � Discontinue use
a harmful irritant � Identify sources of pollutants and correct the problems
� Electronic air Electric discharge can � Ensure smooth air flow and clean filters frequently; keeping filters
cleaner produce ozone clean minimizes ozone production
� Have the equipment checked by a mechanical contractor
� If the smell of ozone persists, replace with a pleated paper filter
� Reduce sources of particulates in the house
� Insulation, Fibres and chemical � Remove lining and clean ducts
acoustical lining odours
in ducts, furnace
� Urban outdoor Chemical pollutants � Make house tight (e.g., caulk, weatherstrip)
air � Ventilate house but turn off ventilation during periods when pollutant
levels are high, and filter the incoming air
13
CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
Sources Symptoms or Problems Corrective Measures
� Attached garage CO, exhaust fumes and � Seal or weatherstrip any major leakage points to the house
odours from stored � Do not store chemicals in the garage
chemicals can infiltrate � Open the garage door before starting car and immediately drive outside
house � Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector inside your house near the door
to the garage
� An exhaust fan in the garage may help reduce pollution entering the house
� Park car outside
� Exposed fibre Particulates, chemical � Cover with air barrier
insulation gases
� Loose, blown Dust (if there is no air � Seal walls and ceiling
insulation in barrier), chemical � Ensure that electric receptacles on walls are airtight
walls and attic contaminants
� Particle board/ Formaldehyde and other � Seal all surfaces with appropriate sealant. A sealant can be any one of the
hardwood veneer gases from glues following: a) a high pressure laminate (e.g., melamine) installed at the
plywood in (urea-formaldehyde time the furniture was built with a water-based contact cement covering
furnishings, resins) all surfaces; b) poly or heavy duty aluminum foil with aluminum foil tape
shelves, paneling, to cover surfaces and edges that are not visible; and c) a liquid sealant
etc.* (e.g., acrylic coating, paint) applied as a thick film to encapsulate the
surfaces. If a liquid sealant is used, ensure that the sealant is not in itself
a source of odours and verify its effectiveness with a test material. Refer
to CMHC’s Building Materials for the Environmentally Hypersensitiveon how to test materials.
� Replace with materials or furnishings having lower emissions
� Oriented strand Volatile organic � Remove non-structural materials
board construction compounds (gases) � Seal with appropriate sealant
(softwood) (phenol-formaldehyde � Combine with ventilation strategy
plywood in panels, resins)
underfloor, etc.*
* Note: Two kinds of resin binders are used in the manufacture of composite wood products: urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins. The former are more soluble in water than the latter and therefore are more likely to be affected by moisture in the air. The free formaldehyde concentration and emission rate are much higher from particle board, medium-density fireboard(MDF) and finishing plywood (hardwood plywood) than from oriented strand board and construction plywood (softwood plywood)which use phenol-formaldehyde. Older materials may have given off their chemicals over time. A “sniff test”can help determine ifthere is still a problem.
14
CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
15
Sources Symptoms or Problems Corrective Measures
� New paints Chemical smells � Choose low-odour, low-toxicity paints
(decrease with time) � Paint only when windows can be opened and in the summer; don’t
paint when weather is damp or humid
� Cover all exposed furnishings in the room with plastic and
ventilate during and after painting to prevent odours from being
absorbed by the furnishings
� Carpets and Chemical emissions � Remove synthetic rugs and/or underpads and replace with area rugs of
underpads (especially new carpets), natural fabrics (e.g. cotton, wool)
dust, dust mites and molds � Replace with hard flooring
� Rubber mats Rubber odours � Remove and replace with non-odorous mats
� Waterbed Chemical odours from � Use conventional bed
the rubber, possible mold
growth
� Wallcoverings Odours (especially � Remove wallpaper and adhesive
made of vinyl, strong when new), � Finish with low-odour paint
plastics or possible mold growth
other synthetics
� Synthetic Chemical off-gassing is � Replace with natural materials
window intensified by exposure
coverings to sun
� Other furnishings Various chemical � Replace furniture containing synthetic foam upholstery
contaminants � Replace foam mattresses and pillows with untreated cotton
� Replace vinyl covers with cotton
� Office clothes, Office smell, smoke, � Air out dry-cleaned clothes thoroughly
dry-cleaned dry-cleaning solvents � Minimize dry-cleaning by selecting washable clothes
clothing � Don’t keep office or dry-cleaned clothes in bedroom
� Exhaust the closets
� Personal care Odours and various � Substitute with unscented and non-irritating products
products chemical products � Remove all toiletries and cosmetics from the bedroom
� Use bathroom exhaust fan regularly
� Pine, cedar Odours from terpenes � Seal with appropriate sealants (refer to CMHC’s Building Materials furniture or in wood for the Environmentally Hypersensitive)paneling � Use woods that do not contain aromatic resins
CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
16
Sources Symptoms or Problems Corrective Measures
� Cleaning and Chemical odours � Substitute with unscented and non-toxic products (e.g., baking soda);
household avoid cleaning agents containing organic solvents
maintenance � Do not use room deodorizers, mothballs or fabric softeners
products � Use steam cleaning rather than chemical cleaning but make sure drying
is rapid
� Hobby materials Gases, particulates � Substitute non-toxic materials
(glues, solvents, � Install a separate exhaust fan in the hobby area
etc.)
� Paint supplies Chemical gases; old water- � Buy only enough paint to use each time
based paints can become � Do not store oil-based paints inside house
sources of microbial � If some water-based paint is retained for touch-ups, ensure that the can
contaminants is tightly sealed. Inspect the can periodically and dispose of old paints.
(e.g., bacteria, yeasts, Check that the paint is not spoiled before using.
molds)
� Candles Produce soot � If candles are being burned to hide cigarette smoke stop smoking
� Discontinue using candles
� Cracked Possible radon � Seal cracks
basement floor contamination, sewer � Ventilate the basement
and soil gases, moisture � Use subfloor ventilation in extreme cases
problems � Determine if radon is a concern (refer to CMHC’s Radon: A Guide for Canadian Homeowners)
� Lead-based paint Lead dust (during and � Consult specialist on lead removal
after renovation) � Refer to CMHC’s Lead in Your Home
� Asbestos Only a lung hazard when � Have professionals seal or remove
fibres are in the air
Radon, lead and asbestos may cause problems after long-term exposure. The other pollutants dealt with in this Guide can exerttheir effects after short-term exposure.
CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS
Some Further Words of Advice
It is not possible to make a
complete list of pollution sources
in your home since there may be
some things unique to your own
house or lifestyle. The above list
should be used as a starting point.
Cause and effect may not
be as simple as it seems. For
example, the furnace is often
blamed as the source of
discomfort since the onset of
symptoms can coincide with
turning on the furnace in the fall.
It may not be the furnace but
dusts, molds and chemical
contaminants laid up all summer
but now newly stirred-up.
As you observe what goes
on around you, be open to other
pollution sources as well as
possible interaction between
components of the house,
conditions or activities. Refer
to books and publications (see
Bibliography, page 35) and seek
professional help.
17
The worksheets on pages 10 to 16 list a number of correctivemeasures that you can take toremedy the problems identified in Step 3. The discussion thatfollows will tell you why thecorrective measures are listed ina particular order. It will alsooutline the basic strategies thatunderlie corrective measures forclean air housing and show youhow to choose which correctivemeasures are right for yourcircumstances.
Reading the Corrective Measures
As you will note on the
worksheets, sometimes just one
corrective measure is identified.
For many problems, however,
several measures are suggested.
These are listed according to level
of effort, from low-cost, easy-to-
implement measures to measures
which may require extensive and
expensive renovations. For
example, measures that may be
implemented when dealing with
the unburned combustion gases
from a furnace range from having
the furnace serviced on a regular
basis, to upgrading the furnace,
to replacing it.
The worksheets do not offer
an exhaustive list of measures but
list those that are most commonly
undertaken. The description of
each measure is not intended as
a how-to but as an overview of
what is involved. Readers are
advised to consult several of the
reference books listed in the
bibliography for further
information on materials and
methods involved in developing
clean air housing. Use judgment
in choosing between recommended
options—opinions are worth less
than proven facts.
Basic Strategies
While each corrective measure
requires a different level of effort
and expense, the underlying
actions taken to deal with the
sources of potential problems
are the same—eliminate, seal/separate and ventilate.
Eliminate: Whenever possible,
deal with problems at the source.
This may mean eliminating the
use of products or materials that
are a potential concern or which
cause an adverse health reaction. It
may involve removing problematic
furnishings, equipment or building
components. As well, conditions
which support the accumulation
of harmful substances, such as
mold or dust mites, should be
eliminated.
Seal/Separate: If it isn’t
feasible to eliminate an offending
substance, the next best strategy
is to separate it from the living
space. This involves two
approaches. The first is sealing
the surfaces of the material itself
to prevent it from releasing gases
into the air (out-gassing) or
keeping it in a sealed container
when not in use. The second
involves isolating the area
temporarily until a more permanent
solution is found. This may mean
closing off a room that appears to
be contaminated. A bedroom can
be rendered cleaner by providing
it with a source of heating separate
from the rest of the house.
STEP 4: DECIDING WHAT TO DO
If the house inspection pointed
to some serious problems with
the location (Step 2) and you
have decided that moving is
a must, turn to the section on
Relocating (page 25) for a
discussion of considerations
relating to renting, buying an
older home, or building or
buying a custom home to suit
your needs.
18
Ventilate: Ventilation comes
last, but it is certainly not least.
No matter what else you do,
ventilation should always be part
of any clean air strategy.
Ventilation helps to lower
concentrations of indoor air
pollutants by supplying fresh air
from the outdoors (provided that
the air intake is not located near
an outdoor contaminant source).
Ventilation is not a substitute for
reducing sources of offending
agents, but it is necessary for
maintaining good air quality.
A whole-house (central)
ventilation system has a central
exhaust to remove stale air from
the house. In contrast, local
ventilation consists of exhaust
fans that remove pollutants at
their source, such as kitchens and
bathrooms. Balanced ventilation
systems bring in enough air to
replace exhausted air. To
conserve energy, heat recovery
may be combined with central
ventilation (recovering heat from
stale air before it is exhausted)—
complete units are called heat
recovery ventilators (HRV) or air-
to-air heat exchangers. HRVs can
work with forced-air heating
systems and air conditioners.
Forced air-heating and cooling
systems can include air
purification using particulate
filters. Chemical adsorbent filters
(e.g., activated charcoal or
activated alumina) to remove
gaseous contaminants are
expensive and not practical.
Readers are advised to seek
professional advice in designing
and installing ventilation systems
and other complex house
components. (For guidance
on locating professionals,
see Step 5—Taking Action.)
The following notes will
illustrate how these three
strategies work together to
effectively deal with chemical
or biological contaminants.
Biological Contaminants
Biological contaminants, such as
molds, dust mites and bacteria,
thrive in moist conditions. Control
is achieved by eliminating
unnecessary sources of excess
moisture from the home.
Some of the moisture
generated inside can be reduced
by changes in lifestyle and local
ventilation (use of exhaust fans
during cooking or showering).
Changes in lifestyle may include
avoiding prolonged showers,
minimizing open boiling of foods,
eliminating line drying of clothes
indoors, humidifying in the winter
only if and when needed.
It is helpful to measure the
relative humidity inside your
home. This can guide you in
determining whether to humidify
or not, and when you should be
dehumidifying your basement.
Keep the relative humidity (RH)
low enough to prevent
condensation on windows. The
RH should be about 25 to 35%
in the winter. (Refer to CMHC’s
About Your House MeasuringHumidity in Your Home).
Air conditioners can reduce
humidity levels in summer and
keep mold growth at bay. It
should be noted that air
conditioning does not kill molds.
While it inhibits the flow of
outdoor pollutants, such as pollens,
it confines and recirculates indoor-
generated pollutants (molds, in
particular, as well as chemical
contaminants).
Moisture problems caused
by water entering the house from
the outside through the walls and
floor in basements or crawl spaces
are challenging, and the solutions
can be complex. How the water
comes in has to be identified. In
some cases, the solution may be
as simple as redirecting exterior
downspouts and eliminating
depressions next to the home, or
sealing a cracked wall that leaks
only when it rains. But in some
homes, complete drainage and
dampproofing of the foundation
may be required. This could
involve excavation around the
exterior of the foundation.
Exterior insulation should be
applied at the same time.
19
Dirt floors in basements and
crawl spaces provide a continuous
source of moisture, micro-organisms
and soil gases. There are two
ways to fix this problem: isolate
the space or treat it like a lived-in
space. If the height is very limited
and ducts and a furnace are not
present in the crawl space or
basement, the dirt floor can be
covered with polyethylene and the
air exhausted to the outside from
the area. If a forced air distribution
system, ducts and a furnace are
present in the crawl space or
basement, sealed polyethylene
must cover floor. A concrete
covering is desirable to prevent
damage to this moisture barrier.
Moisture trapped in the walls
of improperly finished basements
(inadequate or no insulation, no
air barrier, lacking drainage, etc.)
may provide conditions for mold
growth. The source of the
moisture has to be controlled,
moldy materials discarded and the
surfaces cleaned with unscented
detergent and water and allowed
to dry. (Refer to CMHC’s
Clean Up Procedures for Mold in Houses).
Immediate measures include
eliminating carpets and
furnishings that can hold
moisture, using an air conditioner
and/or dehumidifier in hot
weather, and providing enough
heat and air circulation in cold
weather to prevent condensation
on the walls. (Note: an effective
dehumidifier should have a
defroster.)
Chemical Contaminants
There are numerous sources of
chemical contaminants in the
home—the heating system,
building materials, furnishings
and occupant activities. The
contribution of each source may
be pronounced or insignificant.
Since the total contaminant load
is the sum of large and small
contributions, all the sources
have to be addressed.
Combustion gases and
unburned fuel (including the
additives) from fossil fuel
appliances can be a major source
of contaminants in the home.
Evidence has accumulated on the
negative impact on health of using
unvented gas appliances.
Unvented space heaters or gas
fireplaces are not recommended.
Older gas stoves have a pilot light
which releases some gases.
Newer gas stoves have electronic
ignition. When using the gas
stove, operate the exhaust hood.
Those with asthma and
sensitivities will find replacing a
gas stove with an electric stove to
be the most satisfactory.
Furnaces and water heaters are
available with electronic ignition
and with a sealed combustion unit
which separates the appliance
from the house air supply. For
health and safety reasons, these
appliances should be serviced
regularly and checked for spillage
of combustion products.
Individuals with extreme
sensitivities may need to replace
gas or oil with electricity for hot
water and space heating.
Many building materials and
furnishings outgas chemicals.
Some materials such as paints
and finishes have strong chemical
emissions when new, but these
decrease with time. Others, such
as rubber, emit equally strongly
whether new or old. The emissions
from surface treatments on
furniture can be reduced by
allowing the material to outgas
outside the house, preferably in
a dry place. Materials with lower
emissions—hard flooring rather
than wall-to-wall synthetic
broadloom, or solid wood instead
of veneer-coated particle board—
can be used. When the furniture
is built in, sealing with an
appropriate, non-polluting coating
can reduce further outgassing.
(Refer to CMHC’s BuildingMaterials for the EnvironmentallyHypersensitive).
In many instances, it may not
be feasible to remove or replace
these materials or apply a sealant.
The practical solution is to install
a whole-house ventilation system
to dilute the level of the
contaminants in the air. It should
be recognized that better air
quality results from the ventilation
if source control is done first.
Careful selection of non-toxic,
unscented household cleaning
compounds and personal
cosmetics will reduce the
occupant-generated chemical
pollutants in the house. This is
one of the easiest measures to
implement.
20
Many hobbies use solvents,
glues or other chemicals that
temporarily release large
quantities of pollutants. Carefully
ventilating to the outdoors and
limiting circulation to other areas
of the house can significantly
reduce exposure and risks.
Choosing Measures
Which measures you choose
will be based on a number of
factors, including whether you
own or rent, the available funding
and, most importantly, the degree
or nature of your health concern.
In general, the more serious the
problems and your health
concerns, the more extensive the
measures you should undertake.
Use the worksheet on page 21
to record the measures you have
identified. This is your preliminary
action plan. On the right hand
side of the worksheet, mark the
columns for no-cost/low-cost,
medium-cost and higher-cost
measures. This should give you
an idea of the work and associated
costs involved. Note measures
that require immediate attention,
such as those dealing with
combustion spillage.
If your list is extensive or
includes major renovation,
consider engaging the services of a
professionally trained residential
IAQ investigator to investigate
your home for indoor air problems.
An IAQ investigator is trained to
find the problem(s), determine the
causes and advise you on the most
appropriate solutions. Before you
proceed with the renovation, you
may avoid costly mistakes of
undertaking work which are not
effective or do not deal with the
problem. Trained investigators
can prioritize the steps into a
final action plan which you
can implement depending on
your budget.
If you need to phase some of
the work you should begin by
making a specific area cleaner than
the rest of the house. The bedroom
of an affected person is an
important place to begin. The
whole house approach is
recommended, however, since it
makes the whole house accessible
and it improves comfort for all
members of the family.
Review your list. Deal with
urgent safety issues without delay.
Implement as many no-cost/low-
cost or medium-cost measures you
can do even before you get
professional help. A good starting
point is getting a dehumidifier,
if you don’t have one, to reduce
moisture in a damp basement.
You can remove moldy carpets
and clear the basement of unused
belongings, but make sure you
protect yourself and other family
members during the process. This
may give some improvement, but
the problem can come back unless
the cause is corrected.
solutions. A trained IAQ
investigator can help you assess
the extent and costs of renovation.
To find someone who uses the
CMHC Residential IAQ
Investigation Procedure, contact
CMHC at 1 800 668-2642.
Note that IAQ investigators who
use the CMHC Residential IAQ
Investigation Procedure are
neither employees, representatives
nor agents of CMHC. Prospective
clients for investigation services
should perform due diligence
before entering into a purchase
agreement for IAQ investigation
services. Any contract you enter
into is between yourself and the
investigator. The investigators are
solely responsible for their
inspections and reports.
Who are trained residential IAQinvestigators?
They are private consultants or
consulting companies who have
been trained in IAQ investigation
and provide this service to
residential consumers.
Find out what procedure they are
using and what you will receive
from the investigation.
A number of individuals across
Canada have completed training
using CMHC's Residential IAQ
Investigation Procedure. They
conduct an investigation of the
residence and provide a written
report that identifies problems
with indoor air quality, pinpoints
their sources and recommends
21
PRELIMINARY ACTION PLAN
Summary of House Assessment
Health concern (from page 5): � None � Present
Major Contaminants (from page 6): � Molds � Chemicals � Both
Results of Audit (from pages 10-16):
Major Source Location Corrective Measures Check if Cost Estimate
urgent* No/Low (under $100)
Medium ($100-$1,000)
High (over $1,000)
Summary of Corrective Measures (in order of importance)
Estimated Cost Feasibility**
* It involves a safety issue, chemical spill, carbon monoxide, combustion spillage.** Based on personal finances, appropriateness of the corrective measure to the situation and the individual’s willingness to
invest time and resources.
22
Renovate or Relocate
It is extremely important to estimate the total cost and implications
of alterations before committing yourself to large expenditures.
In some cases, it may make more sense to relocate than to undertake
major renovations. Relocating may become the option if:
- The house location is a major problem.
- Major renovations, such as replacement of carpet with hard
flooring throughout the house, heating system replacement or
major work in the basement, are required.
- The house has such serious problems that it will be almost
impossible to obtain the required indoor air quality even after
extensive renovations.
- You don’t have sufficient control over the premises to make
the required changes.
- You don’t have access to sufficient financial resources, materials
or talent to undertake the required work.
- The disruption and time required for major renovations would
be too stressful for you or other family members.
- You are not planning long-term occupancy in this house.
For more information on relocating or on building from the ground
up, refer to the section on Relocating, (page 25).
23
Remodeling, renovating andbuilding from the ground up allhave one thing in common—construction. And, unless you oryour family can do the workalone, you’re going to need thehelp of professionals, such asdesigners, architects, engineersand builders.
The responsibility for endingup with a house with clean airrests with you. This depends onseveral factors: correctly identifying factors in the housewhich may be causing problems;determining the appropriate solutions; and carrying out remedial measures properly.Choices for new materials willhave a major influence on the air you will breathe.
The renovation or buildingprocess itself introducespollutants to the indoor air. Itmay be necessary to leave thehome during construction to avoid high, but temporary, exposure tocontaminants.
It will help to find the right
contractor with the right blend of
experience, professionalism and
willingness to carry out the work.
There are several general rules
to follow when looking for a
professional, and special
considerations to take into account
when looking for a professional
who will satisfactorily perform
the work required by a person
with sensitivities. General rules
include:
• Seek out recommendations
before looking through the
phone book. Talk to self-help
organizations, friends and
neighbours.
• For each person you’re
considering:
- ask for client references
and take the time to check
them out;
- investigate their business
record; and
- ask to see any requisite
licenses and proof of
registration under any
relevant consumer
protection acts.
There is one special
consideration—does the person
have any experience or familiarity
with non-toxic construction
materials and clean house
building techniques? This is a
new field, and few professionals
have had experience with such
a specialized type of project.
Almost anyone you hire will have
to research and learn and ask
suppliers and subcontractors to
make an extra effort on your
behalf. Professionals with energy-
efficient building experience may
be better able to understand and
appreciate the need for an
uncommon level of construction
quality and control of air flow.
Once you have found several
professionals whose work you
like and whom you believe to be
trustworthy, you’re ready to ask
for price estimates. A good
practice is to get three quotes.
This will help to ensure that the
bids you receive are competitive.
The lowest bid isn’t necessarily
the best. Familiarity with the
work, the quality of workmanship
and, above all, how you feel about
each bidder as an individual must
all be part of the equation.
One final note: when drawing
up a written contract, make sure
that every one of your specifications
is clearly spelled out.
CHMC’s About Your House
information such as Hiring aContractor or Before You StartYour Renovation, may be helpful.
STEP 5: TAKING ACTION
24
How will you know whether themeasures you have taken in thehome were the right ones?Evaluating your success will be a purely subjective judgmentbased on your own observationsof how the house is performing or changes in your health andwell-being. If your health concernis not pressing, one way ofproceeding is by undertaking the measures bit by bit. For example,start with low-cost measures. Ifthey don’t have the desired result,move to measures that requiremore time and expense and may be more effective.
In order to evaluate the effects
of any change you make to your
home, keep a record of your
observations about your house
and any discomfort or symptoms
you notice in your house. Unless
you or other household members
have serious health problems, a
weekly entry will do, as long as it
summarizes notable health-related
incidents and your general
condition during the week.
Document the changes you
made in your home and the date
these were implemented.
When the measures are
complete, the information can
be used to evaluate their
effectiveness and help you decide
whether you’ve gone far enough
or whether you need to do more
to adapt your home to your health
needs. Observe changes in your
home. Do you still notice as much
moisture in the windows as
before? Have odours that were
bothering you disappeared? Do
you still struggle with cleaning
stains in the bathroom? When
taking note of health effects,
remember that an improvement
in health may not be immediate.
Also, for someone with multiple
health problems, it may not be
obvious. The first signs may
simply be less discomfort in
the house.
Making Adjustments
Keeping track of what was done
and the results will provide the
necessary information for you to
plan any further work that may
be needed. When reviewing the
results of your evaluation, ask
yourself these questions:
- What new information do
I have now?
- Did I overlook a major source
of contamination?
- Am I experiencing some relief
from symptoms? Is more work
needed?
In your review, it is helpful to
do the Air Quality Questionnaire
again. After you have eliminated
a major problem in the house,
another problem that was masked
by more serious problems, such
as stronger odours, may become
apparent. It is not unusual, as
you clean the air in the house,
for other sources of pollutants to
become more noticeable. Based
on your observations, prepare a
revised action plan accordingly.
STEP 6: FEEDBACK AND EVALUATION
25
Until now, we’ve dealt with what to look for and what to do aboutmaking your present home a cleanair home. After assessing yourpresent home and reviewing thecorrective measures, you maydecide that the best course ofaction is to move. If that’s the case, there are a number of otherfactors you need to consider. This section will give you someguidance on how to assess anapartment, another home or acustom-built house.
NOTE: in all three cases,evaluate the location using theworksheet on page 8.
Apartment Complexes
As a tenant, you may have little
control over most of the factors
that can affect you. It is important,
therefore, when looking for an
apartment to be informed of what
you should be looking for. Study
the checklists on pages 10 to 16
to familiarize yourself with
typical sources of problems. Use
the information to avoid potential
sources of contaminants.
If you are looking at a unit on
the ground or second floor, ask to
see the basement. Chances are
you will be breathing air that
comes from the basement.
In many regions of the
country, basements of homes are
being converted into apartments.
It is quite common to find
higher humidity levels in the
basement, and some basements
have chronic moisture and mold
problems. This is well worth
checking before moving in.
One question often asked is
whether a new building is better
than an older building. Hardwood
floors are more likely to be found
in older buildings. Older buildings
often have hydronic (hot water)
heating. Hot water heating has
advantages—less dust, and it is
easier to isolate the apartment
from other units in the building.
On the other hand, the apartment
may be lacking in ventilation.
Watch out for signs of mold in
older buildings, especially in the
basement. An important
consideration is that older
buildings generally have lower
insulation levels. Cold surfaces
may be prone to mold.
New or newly renovated
buildings may have more pressed
wood products, carpets and
underpads. Emissions may be a
concern when these are newly
installed and ventilation is
limited. With time, the emissions
decrease but whether new or old,
pay attention to the types of paints
or finishes used. Odours from oil-
based paints or coatings can linger
for extended periods of time.
Such odours can affect people,
even those with no known allergies.
Other factors to consider include
the following:
- Does the apartment have an
exhaust fan in the bathroom and
kitchen? Are these working?
- Check out the ventilation. In
newer buildings, fresh air is
brought into the corridor. Older
buildings rely on air coming in
through natural openings. One
can tell if the building breathes
by the presence of odours, e.g.,
cooking odours especially at
supper time, and odours of
cleaning chemicals used in
common areas.
- Is the landlord approachable?
What is likely the response if
concerns are voiced?
- Is the entrance shared? Are
the common areas (e.g., stairs,
elevators, corridors) in good
condition?
- Has the apartment been newly
renovated—kitchen cabinets,
carpeting, etc.?
- Will the apartment require
painting before you move in?
- What is building policy
regarding pets and smoking?
Tenants sometimes complain
of cigarette smoke from
neighbours living next door or
one floor below.
- Were previous tenants of
the unit smokers? Surfaces
exposed to cigarette smoke
tenaciously retain the smoke
odour.
- Did previous tenants have pets?
Allergens from animal dander
may take months to disappear.
- Has the building been infested
with insects or rodents? Is the
building regularly treated with
pesticides?
- Where are parking facilities,
laundry facilities, garbage
chute, etc.?
RELOCATING
26
Buying a Home
Use the worksheets on pages
10 to 16 as you walk through
any house you are considering
for purchase. Other factors to
consider include the following:
- Avoid houses with damp
basements. Moisture or mold
problems may be hidden
behind finished walls in the
basement. Look for houses
with sealed combustion
appliances and without
carpeting and composite
(pressed) wood products.
These can be removed or
replaced, but that’s an added
expense.
- Older houses may be preferable
to newer houses, provided that
they don’t have moisture
problems. Older houses are
more likely to have hardwood
floors and plaster walls, and
less likely to have pressed
wood products. In addition,
questionable products will have
had a number of years to
‘outgas.’ However, check the
level of insulation which will
affect your comfort and the
house’s energy consumption.
- A house that has been
remodeled or renovated may
have used materials that affect
the indoor air quality. Any
remodeling that needs to be
done can be carried out using
low-emission products. See
the next page for a list of
other features to consider.
Building a Clean-Air Home
Building from the ground up is
the surest route to creating a
clean air house. This wider
option enables the optimum use
of materials. However, the costs
will depend on the choices made,
the most ideal (e.g., ceramic tiles,
natural wood) being usually the
most expensive. Building a clean
air house involves making
decisions on materials, which is
not a critical part of normal
construction. A considerable
commitment in time and energy
is therefore required from start
to finish. It is very important to
enlist the services of a competent
and cooperative architect and
contractor.
Which Floor
When it comes to apartment
buildings, the most important
factor may be which floor you
live on. Lower floors may have
the best access to outside air.
But, at the same time, they are
also closer to roadways and
parking garages. In some
buildings, upper floors may
breathe almost exclusively
from plumbing, electrical and
heating chases, so that your
fresh air is actually someone
else’s exhaust. In addition,
pests move through apartment
buildings via service chases
(plumbing, electrical,
communication, etc.). The
choice of floor should be
evaluated on the basis of
accessibility of outside air, the
quality of the air being brought
in, and local characteristics of
the building which can affect
the indoor air.
27
Some of the features described below may
apply only to building a new home. However,
these features are worth considering when
renovating or looking to buy another home.
Consult the Resources section for more detailed
information.
- A house on a slab-on grade foundation is less
likely to have the moisture problems commonly
found in basements and crawlspaces. A
moisture barrier under the slab and proper
drainage and insulation of the foundation are
very important.
- If building a new house and your plans include
a basement, or if you are doing a major
renovation of your house, ensure that building
techniques that exclude moisture entry through
the foundation are followed. Exterior insulation
is preferred.
- A basement suspected of being moldy may
need to have all interior finishes and
contaminated furnishings removed or cleaned
and the moisture sources corrected. Refer
to CMHC’s Clean-Up Procedures for Mold in Houses.
- Airtight construction with ample insulation
will enable you to control the air quality inside
the house and make the occupants more
comfortable.
- High efficiency or sealed combustion heating
appliances are preferable.
- Specify metal ducts and plenums for forced
air distribution systems, instead of ducts made
of plastic or enclosed wood joists and subfloor
used as return plenum.
- Radiant heating of ceramic tile, terazzo or
concrete floors eliminates dusts inherent in
forced air systems. Emissions would be
released from certain coverings over heated
floors.
- Select low-emission building materials, paying
particular attention to materials inside the
building envelope. Refer to CMHC’s BuildingMaterials for the Environmentally
Hypersensitive for general descriptions of
materials and how to test materials.
- Hard-finish flooring, such as ceramic tiles and
solid hardwood, are easier to clean and do not
act as dust reservoirs or mold breeding sites.
- Use low-odour water-based paints on walls
and ceilings.
- Minimize furnishings made of pressed wood.
If these are used, encapsulate (seal) all surfaces.
- Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans (and a
dehumidifier if there is a basement) are the
minimum equipment needed to control
moisture in the house. The next step is a
properly installed heat recovery ventilator that
brings in fresh air and at the same time exhausts
stale air from local sources of pollution.
- A central vacuum system, which exhausts to
the outside, prevents the redistribution of fine
particles that are not retained by the vacuum
filter. Alternatively, use a vacuum cleaner with
a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.
Families with asthma or environmental
sensitivities may require more stringent features
than the above. Some may need to exclude
combustion fuel appliances completely.
Alternatively, the gas or oil furnace/boiler may
need to be separated from the house. Paints can be
avoided by using old-fashioned plaster or the
newer veneer plaster walls. Refer to CMHC’s
Building Materials for the EnvironmentallyHypersensitive, Research House for theEnvironmentally Hypersensitive: Description and Technical Details, This Clean House video
and A Guide to Mechanical Equipment for HealthyEnvironments.
The house features alone do not ensure clean air
in the home. How you operate and maintain your
house, what you bring inside, your hobbies and
lifestyle have a significant contribution to the
indoor air quality of your home.
28
The six steps to achieving cleanair housing may not be obvious.Required is an understanding of the potential problems with indoor environments, of your ownhealth needs and the condition ofyour home. And it requires efforton your part to identify problemsources in the home and takecorrective measures.
As the steps in this Guideshow, it is not a one-time activity.Family health needs or lifestylemay change and make it necessaryto take additional measures in thehome. Or changes to the house orthe neighbourhood may affectyour home’s air quality.
This booklet is not the last word
on clean air housing. Rather, the
overview presented here provides
a starting point for your
involvement. The six steps provide
a way for you to deal with the
issue. The audit forms and
questionnaires are self-help tools
which you may use to assess and
reassess your situation as
circumstances change.
The list of Resources and the
Bibliography will guide you to
other sources of information and
assistance.
As the section on Feedback
and Evaluation explained,
measuring progress towards a
clean air home is not a simple
matter. You will need to take into
account the general well-being of
family members as well as
specific health conditions. There
is no absolute test for indoor air
quality, but the following general
criteria can serve as benchmarks.
- The air is fresh, clean and
odour-free.
- Toxins and irritants are
eliminated or minimized.
- The house provides a high
level of comfort and promotes
a feeling of well being.
- The house does not make
anyone sick and it provides
a supportive environment to
those who want to rebuild
their health.
The ultimate test, of course,
is that your home allows you to
BREATHE EASY.
CONCLUSION
29
Combustion is the process of
burning fuel, such as oil, gas or
wood. The primary products of
combustion are carbon dioxide and
water. Under perfect conditions
(right amount of oxygen, right
temperature), these are the gases
that should be produced. However,
incomplete combustion due to
insufficient oxygen or low burning
temperature can produce carbon
monoxide and, in severe depletion
of oxygen, soot. An improper air-
to-fuel ratio can also lead to
nitrogen oxides. All the
combustion products should be
expelled out of the chimney or flue.
Combustion air is the air
used in the process of burning fuel.
In almost all houses, there is
sufficient air for normal size
combustion appliances.
Appliances that are located in
small, well-enclosed utility rooms
may have difficulty obtaining
combustion air from the house.
Ensure that the appliances have
access to house air through grilles
or louvres in the walls enclosing
the room. Most high-efficiency
appliances no longer require
combustion air from the house
or the chimney. They are said to
be ‘sealed,’ ‘directly vented’ or
‘spillage resistant.’Air supply and
exhaust are handled by pipes
through the wall.
A combustion appliance is
said to “spill” if combustion
products escape into the house
rather than up the chimney. A
reversal of the continuous flow
of flue gases and outdoor air—
pulling them down the chimney
instead of up—is known as
backdrafting. Evidence of spillage
or backdrafting includes soot,
scorched surfaces and melted
fittings near the vent.
Spillage and backdrafting is
most often caused by improperly
designed or maintained venting
systems. Sometimes, it is caused by
excessive house depressurization,
which may be produced by large
exhaust fans or open fireplaces.
Every house heated with a
combustion appliance should have
a carbon monoxide detector which
should warn homeowners when
the carbon monoxide concentration
reaches a very high level.
A smoke detector located above
the barometric damper of an oil
furnace will indicate if the oil
furnace is having problems
venting.
COMBUSTION, SPILLAGE AND BACKDRAFTING
Exhaust fans or clothes dryers
may overpower the chimney
draft of the heating system and
cause exhaust gases to spill into
the house.
30
Testing for spillage of flue gases
If gases spill (either naturally
or during the test described in
“Combustion backdraft test”) for
a period of less than 30 seconds,
it is generally not cause for
concern since the flue usually
establishes a good draft once it
heats up. Spillage and
backdrafting for longer periods
should be investigated. The cause
is usually a constricted or poorly
functioning chimney, or suction
created at the appliance by other
equipment—for example:
- A return air grille sharing a
small room with the
combustion equipment.
- Another exhausting appliance,
such as a clothes dryer, sharing
a small room with the
combustion appliance.
- High-capacity exhausting
appliances operating in the
home (this could include other
combustion equipment).
If spillage occurs only during
unusual or improbable
circumstances, keep monitoring
the situation to see whether
further action is required. If
drastic spillage occurs under
normal conditions, contact your
HVAC contractor immediately.
Combustion backdraft test
An experienced Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
contractor can conduct a backdraft test for you. You can also carry
out the quick test described here.
- Select a calm day in spring or fall with cool weather.
- Find something that can show the direction of air flow by the smoke
it emits—a commercial smoke pencil or even an incense stick.
- Turn down the thermostats on the furnace and hot water heaters
and leave them off for about half an hour.
- Hold the smoke indicator near the draft hood of a gas furnace or
near the barometric damper of an oil furnace and watch for air
movement into the house as opposed to up the chimney.
- Switch on all exhausting equipment that you could be running at
the same time, such as the kitchen fan, clothes dryer or central
vacuum cleaner. Check for air movement at the draft hood or
damper. If air is coming down the chimney at this point, you
have a problem.
- Now, have someone turn up the furnace thermostat. If your
smoke indicator shows that hot exhaust comes out of the furnace
draft hood (rather than house air being sucked into it), then
combustion gases are spilling into the house.
- After completing the test, return all exhaust devices and heating
equipment to normal operating conditions.
Combustion air
Fluegases
Dilutionair
31
There are two types oforganizations involved withhousing and health issues: non-governmental organizations(NGOs), such as the Allergy andEnvironmental Health Associationor the Lung Association, andgovernment housing agencies. Thenon-governmental organizationsprovide information. Some mayalso run self-help and supportgroups and act as advocates inpresenting issues to government.Some NGOs operate onlynationally or locally. Othersmaintain both national offices and chapters in provinces andmajor urban centres.
Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s
national housing agency. It
provides information on housing
technology and health-related
housing issues, and sponsors
research and demonstration
projects. CMHC has offices in
every province and territory.
Provincial housing agencies
are typically involved in housing
codes and standards, and in
providing social housing. The
provincial housing organizations
listed below may administer
federal housing rehabilitation
programs. They may also handle
such cases on an individual basis
under the existing provincial
programs for social housing or
housing for the disabled.
Government organizations are
indicated with an asterisk.
National Organizations
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
National Office
Box 100
Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 5K9
416-679-9521 or 1-800-611-7011
www.aaia.ca
e-mail: national@aaia.ca
Chapters: British Columbia, Manitoba,
New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec and
Yukon Territory
Contact: Andrea Kenney
Asthma Society of Canada
130 Bridgeland Avenue
Suite 425
Toronto, Ontario M6A 1Z4
416-787-4050 or 1-800-787-3880
www.asthma.ca
info@asthma.ca
Canada Housing Information Centre*
Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation
700 Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P7
1-800-668-2642
Canadian Lung Association
1900 City Park Drive, Suite 508
Gloucester, Ontario K1J 1A3
613-747-6776
Chapters: Alberta, British Columbia,
Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia,
Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec,
Saskatchewan and Yukon
Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical
Immunology
774 Echo Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5N8
613-730-8177
www.csaci.medical.org
csaci@rcpsc.edu
RESOURCES
Canadian Society for Environmental
Medicine
2197 Riverside Drive
#506
Ottawa, Ontario K1H 7X3
Fax: 613-523-0108
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health
and Safety
250 Main St. E.
Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1H6
1-800-263-8466
www.ccohs.ca
Resources Listed by Province
ALBERTA
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
Prairies/NWT
16531 - 114 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5X 3V6
780-456-6651
e-mail: prairies@aaia.ca
Alberta Lung Association
P.O. Box 4500, Station South
Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6K2
780-407-6819
1-800-931-9111
www.ab.lung.ca
e-mail: info@ab.lung.ca
Housing Field Services*
4th Floor, Stand Life Centre
10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R7
780-427-3919
www.seniors.gov.ab.ca
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
B.C. and Yukon Chapter
113 – 445 Yates Road
Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1Y4
250-861-6590 or toll-free
1-877-500-2242
Fax: 250-861-6597
e-mail: bc@aaia.ca
B.C. Housing*
Suite 601
4555 Kingsway, # 1701
Burnaby, British Columbia V5H 4V8
604-433-1711
www.bchousing.org
British Columbia Lung Association
2675 Oak Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 2K2
604-731-5864
1-800-665-5864
www.bc.lung.ca
e-mail: info@bc.lung.ca
MANITOBA
Manitoba Lung Association
629 McDermot Avenue, 2nd Floor
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3A 1P6
204-774-5501
1-888-566-LUNG
www.mb.lung.ca
e-mail: reception@manitobalung.org
Allergy and Environmental Health
Association
Manitoba Branch
77 Meadowcrest Bay
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2V 4G9
204-339-1609
Manitoba Family Services and Housing*
219 - 114 Garry Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4V6
204-945-3242
www.gov.mb.ca
e-mail: fadmin@gov.mb.ca
NEW BRUNSWICK
Allergy and Environmental Health
Association
New Brunswick Branch
P.O. Box 4073
Dieppe, New Brunswick E1A 6E7
506-384-2178
e-mail: aehant@nb.sympatico.ca
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
Atlantic Branch
20 South Road
Doaktown, New Brunswick E9C 1G1
506-365-4501
atlantic@aaia.ca
Family and Community Services*
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 5H1
506-453-2001
www.gnb.ca
New Brunswick Lung Association
65 Brunswick Street
Fredericton, New Brunswick E3B 1G5
506-455-8961
www.nb.lung.ca
e-mail: info@nb.lung.ca
NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Newfoundland and Labrador Lung
Association
292 LeMarchant Road
P.O. Box 5250
St. John’s, Newfoundland A1C 5W1
709-726-4664
1-888-566-5864
www.nf.lung.ca
e-mail: info@nf.lung.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation*
Sir Brian Dunfield Building
2 Canada Drive
P.O. Box 220
St. John’s, Newfoundland A1C 5J2
709-724-3000
www.nlhc.nf.ca
NOVA SCOTIA
Allergy and Environmental Health
Association
Nova Scotia Branch
P.O. Box 31323
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 5Y5
1-800-449-1995 (NS only)
info@environmentalhealth.ca
www.environmentalhealth.ca
32
Nova Scotia Department of Community
Services*
Housing Department
P.O. Box 696
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2T7
902-424-3280
www.gov.ns.ca/coms/hous
Nova Scotia Environmental Health
Centre
Dalhousie University
P.O. Box 2130
Fall River, Nova Scotia B2T 1K6
902-860-0057
ONTARIO
Allergy And Environmental Health
Association
Kitchener Branch
513 Quiet Place #2
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 5L6
519-885-2803
Allergy And Environmental Health
Association
Ottawa Branch
Ottawa RPO Shoppers City West
Box 33023
Nepean, Ontario K2C 3Y9
613-860-2342
www.aeha.ca
Environmental Health Clinic
Women’s College Hospital
76 Grenville Street
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B6
416-351-3764
Ontario Lung Association
573 King Street East, Suite 201
Toronto, Ontario M5A 4L3
416-864-9911
1-800-972-2636
www.on.lung.ca
e-mail: olalung@on.lung.ca
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs
and Housing*
777 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2E5
416-585-7041
www.mah.gov.on.ca
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
Ontario Region
P.O. Box 2371
St. Mary’s, Ontario N4X 1A2
519-284-4222
1-888-250-2298
e-mail: ontario@aaia.ca
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Allergy and Environmental Illness
Group Inc.
P.O. Box 1482
Charlottetown, P.E.I. C1A 7N1
902-368-2730
e-mail: que@isn.net
PEI Health and Social Services*
17 Knights Lane
P.O. Box 640
Souris, P.E.I. C0A 2B0
902-687-7150
www.gov.pe.ca
PEI Lung Assocation
1 Rochford Street, Suite 2
Charlottetown, P.E.I. C1A 9L2
902-892-5957
1-888-566-LUNG
www.pei.lung.ca
e-mail: info@pei.lung.ca
QUEBEC
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
172 Andover Road
Beaconsfield, Quebec H9W 2Z8
514-694-0679
e-mail: quebec@aaia.ca
Association pulmonaire du Québec
800, boul. de Maisonneuve Est,
bureau 800
Montréal, Quebec H2L 4L8
514-287-7400
1-800-295-8111
www.pq.lung.ca
asspulm@cam.org
Société d’habitation du Québec*
1054, rue Louis-Alexandre-Taschereau
Aile St-Amable, 3e étage
Québec, Quebec G1R 5E7
418-643-7676
www.shq.gouv.qc.ca
e-mail: infoshq@shq.gouv.qc.ca
SASKATCHEWAN
Allergy and Environmental Health
Assocation
Prairie Regional Contact:
204-339-1609
Saskatchewan Lung Association
1231 - 8th Street East
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 0S5
306-343-9511 or
1-888-566-LUNG
www.sk.lung.ca
e-mail: info@sk.lung.ca
Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs and
Housing*
Housing and Inspection Services
1855 Victoria Avenue, #900
Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 3V7
306-787-4177
www.municipal.gov.sk.ca
e-mail: infohousing@mah.gov.sk.ca
YUKON
Allergy/Asthma Information Association
BC/Yukon
113 - 445 Yates Road
Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1Y4
250-861-6590 or
1-877-500-2242
e-mail: bc@aiaa.ca
Yukon Housing Corporation*
P.O. Box 2703
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
403-667-5759
www.housing.yk.ca
e-mail: ykhouse@housing.yk.ca
33
34
Financial Assistance
There are two programs available
from CMHC which are relevant:
Homeowner Residential
Rehabilitation Assistance Program
(RRAP) and RRAP for Persons
with Disabilities.
Homeowner RRAP
The Homeowner RRAP offers
financial assistance to low-income
homeowners for major repairs or
work needed to bring your
residence to the minimum
standard of safety and health.
Depending on your income and
where you live, part of the loan
may not need to be paid back.
RRAP for Persons withDisabilities
RRAP for Persons with Disabilities
assists in the modification of
existing homeowner or rental
housing to improve the
accessibility of these dwellings
for disabled persons. Under this
program, homeowners and
landlords can apply for assistance
to undertake modifications that
will improve the accessibility of
their dwelling.
In some areas of the country,
funding for these or similar
programs is provided jointly by
the Government of Canada and
the provincial or territorial
government. In these areas, the
provincial or territorial housing
agency may be responsible for
delivery of the programs. Program
variations may also exist in these
jurisdictions.
For more information about
Homeowner RRAP or RRAP for
the Disabled, contact your local
CMHC office or your provincial
housing agency.
The titles listed here represent asmall sample of available workson the subject of housing andhealth. Additional titles may befound through the CanadianHousing Information Centre andfrom CMHC’s annual list of publications. Many provincialhousing agencies and electric utilities also provide booklets onhousing technology. In particular,texts on energy-efficient housinginclude information on controlling moisture and ventilation.
CMHC PublicationsCall 1 800 668-2642 to order!
A Guide to Mechanical Equipment forHealthy Indoor Environments. 2001(order #62015)
Building Materials For TheEnvironmentally Hypersensitive. $29.95 (order #61089)
Canadian Wood-Frame HouseConstruction. $25.95 (order #61010)
Clean-Up Procedures for Mold inHouses. $14.95 (order #61091)
Farewell to Cockroaches: ControllingCockroaches the Least-Toxic Way.(order #60948)
Healthy Housing Renovation Planner.$34.95. (order #60957)
Homebuying Step by Step. A ConsumerGuide and Workbook. Free(order #60946)
Homeowner’s Inspection Checklist.$19.95 (order #62114)
Investigating, Diagnosing & TreatingYour Damp Basement. $9.95 (order #61065)
Lead in Your Home. Free (order #61941)
Moisture and Air Householder’s Guide:Problems and Remedies. (order #61033)
Radon: A Guide for CanadianHomeowners. Free (order #61945)
Prices do not include applicable taxes,
shipping and handling.
Prices are subject to change.
About Your House series (Free)
Moisture and MoldAttic Venting, Attic Moisture, and IceDams. (order #62034)
Choosing a Dehumidifier. (order #62045)
Measuring Humidity in Your Home.(order #62027)
Importance of Bathroom and KitchenFans. (order #62037)
Healthy and SafetyAsbestos (order #62029)
Carbon Monoxide. (order #62046)
Combustion Gases in Your Home.(order #62028)
How to Read a Material Safety DataSheet (MSDS). (order #62038)
Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation(order #62032)
Energy Efficiency and Cost SavingsInsulating Your House. (order #62039)
Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating. (order #62030)
Maintenance and RepairSoot Staining on Carpets (order #62035)
Garbage Bag Airflow Test(order #62288)
Maintaining Your Heat RecoveryVentilator (HRV). (order #62043)
Removing Ice on Roofs. (order #62036)
Should You Get Your Heating DuctsCleaned? (order #62044)
Your Furnace Filter (order #62041)
Construction and RenovationBefore You Start Renovating YourBasement - Structural Issues and SoilConditions (order #62248)
EmergenciesAfter the Flood: A Homeowner’schecklist (order #60515)
When You Must Leave Your House Dueto Prolonged Winter Power Outage.(order #60356)
Wood Heat Safety in an Emergency(order #60339)
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
`äb^k ^fo drfabHow to Identify and Correct Indoor Air Problems in your Home
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CanadianWood-Frame House ConstructionThis national bestseller contains illustrations, sizing tables, planning notes and other practicalinformation on wood-frame house construction. Tips on Healthy Housing™ are alsoprovided to improve indoor air quality and reduce environmental impact. Topics include:footings and foundations; framing and roof sheathings; exterior and interior finishes; plumbing,heating and wiring; insulation, fire and sound control; ventilation; and much more.$25.9561010
Moisture and Air: Householder’s Guide—Problems and RemediesUse the information in this Guide to identify the typical signs of moisture and air qualityproblems in your home, to identify the probable causes and to consider practical solutions.FREE61033
Building Materials for the Environmentally HypersensitiveFor people who are environmentally hypersensitive, even low levels of contaminants in theair can cause problems ranging from discomfort to debilitating illness.This book providesinformation on pollutant emissions and other considerations for more than 180 buildingmaterials and finishes commonly used in residential construction.$25.9561089
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